{"id":11367,"date":"2026-07-06T17:24:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T07:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/?p=11367"},"modified":"2026-07-08T11:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:20:00","slug":"scam-phone-calls-consumer-guidance-and-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/scam-phone-calls-consumer-guidance-and-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"How to spot and stop phone scams in Australia (including AI voice scams)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At MATE, we take your privacy and safety very seriously. We continue to assist Australians in best practice techniques to combat illegal scam calls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phone scams Australia 2026 are becoming harder to recognise, especially when scammers use familiar local numbers or convincing voices. This guide explains how to stop scam calls, protect your personal information and take action if something does not feel right.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Scam phone calls \u2013 what are they?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scam calls annoy and defraud thousands of Australians each year. Telephone-based calls claim to be from real organisations such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Microsoft and many more to trick us into believing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These scam callers use manipulative and deceiving tactics to attempt to access your equipment or gather private information from you. Scam callers often use threats of a financial penalty or criminal prosecution to manipulate consumers as part of the scam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Types of scam calls<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of some common scam calls include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls imitating the Australian Federal Police (AFP). In such a call, you may be asked for assistance to help track down criminals and assist with AFP investigations. You will usually be asked to transfer money overseas using international money transfer services;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls asking for outstanding bills or debt to be paid. In such a call, the scammer will usually reference popular prepaid gift cards such as Apple iTunes and Westfield Shopping Centre vouchers. They sometimes may state that this is on behalf of a credit agency representing Telstra or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO);<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls imitating support desk staff. In such a call, the scam caller will attempt to access your computer by pretending to know your CLSID, a globally unique identifier that identifies a piece of software. The scam caller will try to pass this off as something only a legitimate support person would know;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls attempting to trick you into making payments to them or someone you may know;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calling you and hanging up immediately in the hope that you will call back \u2013 costing you money;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the move to working from home, scammers are impersonating parcel delivery companies to try get address, consumer information or ask you to go to a dangerous webpage or download a dangerous app;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls claiming to be from an organisation you trust. In such a call, the scammer will ask for your personal details to try and access your private information;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calls advising that you have won a prize or that there is a sum of money waiting for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New type of scam call: AI voice scams and number spoofing\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An AI voice scam Australia callers may use can imitate a familiar voice or create a convincing automated message to pressure you into acting quickly. Number spoofing Australia scammers use can also make a call appear to come from a local mobile number or a trusted organisation. Treat the displayed number as unverified: hang up and contact the organisation using a phone number from its official website or app.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Minimising the risk of scam calls<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a call or text sounds too good to be true, it usually is. To reduce the risk of being scammed, ensure you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never share any personal information with someone you do not know;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never provide any information to someone who is asking to access your computer or any other devices;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact your bank or financial institution immediately if you believe you have been scammed;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Block callers \u2013 you can usually do this on your mobile phone handset;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a security password or screen lock on your mobile phone handset;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your text messages carefully. Look for things that don\u2019t look right, such as bad spelling, strange sender name or unknown number;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put a lock on your home mailbox \u2013 this way, people can\u2019t steal mail that may give information about your identity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check if an unknown number is from an official source by checking online. Typing the number into a search engine like Google might come up with<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">details about the owner of the phone number;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carefully choose who you share personal details with online and update privacy settings on social media;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regularly update any PINs and passwords for any online services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember the rule: If in doubt, don\u2019t:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t answer, don\u2019t click on links, don\u2019t give personal details, and don\u2019t give money;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t answer if you don\u2019t know who it is. Let the call go to voicemail first. If the caller leaves a number, check that it matches the one on their website;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t reply or click on any links in text messages;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t ever send money;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t ever tell anyone your personal details\u2014passwords or other sensitive information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t ever let someone take control of your computer;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Blocking numbers of unwanted callers or SMS scammers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vast majority of scam calls received today are via your mobile handset. There are two main software packages on phones, so blocking calls will be slightly different on each. To help keep things safe, we recommend:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">iPhone\/Apple device<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always ensure that you have the latest version of iOS installed. To block a number, navigate to the recent calls menu, then select the \u2018information\u2019. At the bottom there is a block number option. Select this and the number will be permanently blocked.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Android\/Google device<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the phone call making app and navigate to the recent calls list. From there, select the information \u2013 that takes you to the phone numbers Info. At the bottom there is an option to block the number permanently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you receive scam calls on your ADSL landline or nbn phone (VoIP) service, please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/support\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">let our support team know<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We can notify the network operator to flag these dangerous and annoying numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Products and services to help<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a number of products and services that you can use to minimise the risk of being affected by scams. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting up an app to filter and detect spam calls. Visit your device\u2019s app store and download an app that detects and blocks spam phone calls. You can download and install multiple apps with this feature from different app developers, but be wary of the app you install \u2013 make sure you read reviews and feedback before installing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Register your phone number on the Do Not Call Register. This is a free service where consumers can securely register their home, mobile or fax numbers for free to reduce unsolicited telemarketing calls. You can find more information and register here: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.donotcall.gov.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.donotcall.gov.au<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get the latest software updates on your devices. Keeping your software up to date is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your product\u2019s security. Whether it\u2019s your computer, smartphone or tablet, your operating system will constantly release security updates that may protect against issues;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download and run a free antivirus and malware removal tool. Choose a reputable company such as Norton \u2013 such a tool will use a more intensive method to scan your computer to detect complex threats that could help prevent being scammed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Think you have been scammed? Take action<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think you have received a scam call, you can report this to the ACCC via the following link: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scamwatch.gov.au\/report-a-scam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.scamwatch.gov.au\/report-a-scam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been threatened or property stolen, contact the police immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think your bank info or card PINs have been compromised, or a payment to a scammer has been made \u2013 contact your financial institution immediately. They can assist you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If in doubt, change all PINs or password that may have been risked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When interacting over the phone or internet, always be sceptical of things that don\u2019t look or feel right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also find more information on scam calls and general safety online via the following links:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cyber.gov.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cyber.gov.au<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scamwatch.gov.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.scamwatch.gov.au<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acma.gov.au\/phone-scams\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.acma.gov.au\/phone-scams<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.communications.gov.au\/what-we-do\/phone\/unwanted-communications-faqs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unwanted Communications FAQs | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have received a suspicious email, call or SMS related to MATE, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you can report this to us by clicking here.<\/span><\/a>\n<p>UPDATED &#8211; July 2026<\/p>\n<p><!-- Visible FAQ Accordion --><\/p>\n<div style=\"max-width: 900px; margin: 0 auto; font-family: inherit;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #1a1a3d; margin-bottom: 16px;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">Scam calls often create urgency or ask for personal information, payment, remote access to a device or a verification code. Hang up, then contact the organisation using details from its official website or app.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">What are AI voice scams and how do they work?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">AI voice scams use generated or altered audio to sound like someone you trust. Do not rely on the voice alone: end the call and verify the request through a separate, trusted contact method.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">How do I register on the Do Not Call Register?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">Register an eligible Australian mobile, home or fax number through the official Do Not Call Register website. It is free and can reduce telemarketing, but it cannot stop criminal scam attempts.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">What happens if I answer a scam call?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">Answering does not automatically mean you have been scammed. Do not confirm personal details or press keypad prompts; hang up. If you shared banking details or codes, contact your bank immediately and change affected passwords.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">How do I report a scam to Scamwatch?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">To report scam calls, Scamwatch provides an online report form. Include the number used, the scammer&#8217;s message and any loss or attempted loss. If money or banking information is involved, contact your financial institution first.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">Why do scam calls come from Australian mobile numbers?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">Scammers can use number spoofing to display an Australian mobile number, even when calling from elsewhere. A local-looking number is not proof that a caller is genuine, so verify unexpected requests through official contact details.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; margin-bottom: 10px; background: #fff;\">\n<summary style=\"list-style: none; cursor: pointer; padding: 20px 24px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 19px; color: #1a1a3d; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\">Can my phone block scam calls automatically?<br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #2fae64; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 16px;\">\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 24px 20px 24px; color: #333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; border-top: 1px solid #f0f0f0; padding-top: 16px;\">Many phones can block individual numbers and silence or filter suspected spam callers. A provider, operating system or reputable call-filtering app may offer added screening, but remain cautious with every unexpected call.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div>\n<div style=\"position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\" data-testid=\"notifications-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At MATE, we take your privacy and safety very seriously. We continue to assist Australians in best practice techniques to combat illegal scam calls. Phone scams Australia 2026 are becoming harder to recognise, especially when scammers use familiar local numbers or convincing voices. This guide explains how to stop scam calls, protect your personal information&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1808,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[22,23],"tags":[74,75,76],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to spot and stop phone scams in Australia (including AI voice scams) | MATE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"At MATE, we take your privacy and safety seriously. 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